PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

200+ Free NYPD Captain Practice Questions

Pass your Promotion to Captain (Police) Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
Not published Pass Rate
200+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 200
Question 1
Score: 0/0

A Captain reviewing the command's handling of a missing person classified as a 'Special Category' (such as a child, elderly person, or someone with a mental impairment) should ensure that:

A
B
C
D
to track
Same family resources

Explore More Civil Service Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Civil Service Basic Skills Exam

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards1 blog

Arizona DPS State Trooper Written Examination

Practice QuestionsNational Study GuideFlashcards1 blog

CA Highway Patrol Officer Written Exam (PELLET-B)

Practice QuestionsNational Study GuideFlashcards1 blog

CA POST PELLETB Entry-Level LE Test Battery

Practice QuestionsNational Study GuideFlashcards1 blog

California POST Entry-Level Public Safety Dispatcher Selection Test Battery

Practice QuestionsNational Study GuideFlashcards1 blog

Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Firefighter/EMT Examination

Practice QuestionsNational Study GuideFlashcards1 blog

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

ArticleCivil Service Basic Skills Exam Guide 20269 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NYPD Captain Exam

100

Multiple-Choice Questions

DCAS / NYPD Captain exam

70%

Minimum Passing Score

DCAS Notice of Examination No. 6569

$101.00

Application Fee

DCAS Notice of Examination No. 6569

2 years

Required Lieutenant Service

DCAS Notice of Examination No. 6569

$165,631

Minimum Captain Salary

DCAS Notice of Examination No. 6569 (2026)

4 years

Eligible List Validity

DCAS / NYC Civil Service

The NYPD Promotion to Captain (Police) Examination is a 100-question, computer-based multiple-choice promotional test administered by DCAS for serving NYPD Lieutenants. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass; seniority and award credits then set their rank on a four-year eligible list. The application fee is $101.00, and the current cycle is Exam No. 6569 (2026).

Sample NYPD Captain Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NYPD Captain exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the New York State Penal Law, a Captain reviewing an arrest must know that an offense classified as a 'felony' is one for which the authorized sentence of imprisonment can exceed:
A.15 days
B.One year
C.Six months
D.30 days
Explanation: Penal Law § 10.00 defines a felony as an offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year may be imposed. This distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors (up to one year) and violations (up to 15 days).
2A Captain must classify offenses correctly. Under New York Penal Law, a 'violation' is an offense (other than a traffic infraction) for which the maximum authorized term of imprisonment is:
A.No more than 15 days
B.No more than one year
C.No more than 90 days
D.No more than six months
Explanation: Penal Law § 10.00(3) defines a violation as an offense, other than a traffic infraction, for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of 15 days cannot be imposed. Disorderly conduct is a common example of a violation.
3When a Captain evaluates whether a person committed Robbery under the Penal Law, the essential element that elevates a larceny to robbery is:
A.The value of the property exceeds $1,000
B.The forcible stealing of property through use or threat of physical force
C.The property was taken from a dwelling
D.The act occurred during nighttime hours
Explanation: Penal Law § 160.00 defines robbery as forcible stealing — a larceny in which the actor uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force to compel the owner to deliver property or to prevent or overcome resistance. Force, not value or location, is the defining element.
4A Captain supervising a burglary investigation should know that, under Penal Law § 140.20, a person is guilty of Burglary when they knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a building with intent to:
A.Cause property damage only
B.Commit a crime therein
C.Take temporary shelter
D.Conduct surveillance
Explanation: Burglary requires knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime therein. The intent to commit a crime inside is the core element; the underlying crime need not be completed.
5Under Article 35 of the Penal Law, a Captain reviewing a use-of-force incident should understand that a police officer may use deadly physical force to effect an arrest when the officer reasonably believes the suspect:
A.Committed any misdemeanor
B.Has committed or attempted a felony involving the use or threatened use of physical force, or poses an imminent threat of death or serious injury
C.Refused to provide identification
D.Fled on foot from a lawful stop
Explanation: Penal Law § 35.30 permits an officer to use deadly physical force in defined circumstances, including where the suspect has committed or attempted a felony involving the use or threatened use of physical force, or poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury. Mere flight or a minor offense does not justify deadly force.
6A Captain must apply correct mental-state definitions. Under Penal Law § 15.05, a person acts 'recklessly' with respect to a result when they:
A.Consciously desire the result to occur
B.Are aware of and consciously disregard a substantial and unjustifiable risk
C.Fail to perceive a risk a reasonable person would perceive
D.Act with no awareness of any consequence
Explanation: Penal Law § 15.05(3) defines recklessness as being aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur, constituting a gross deviation from reasonable conduct. This is distinct from intent and from criminal negligence.
7When a Captain directs the handling of a prisoner, the Patrol Guide procedure for searching an arrested person at the time of arrest requires that a field search be:
A.Conducted only at the precinct by the desk officer
B.A thorough search of the prisoner and the area within the prisoner's immediate reach
C.Skipped if the prisoner appears cooperative
D.Limited to outer clothing pat-down with no removal of items
Explanation: Patrol Guide procedures require arresting officers to conduct a thorough field search of the prisoner and the area within the prisoner's immediate control for weapons, evidence, and contraband at the time of arrest, before transport. A later, more thorough search occurs at the command, but the field search is not optional.
8A Captain reviewing Command Log entries should know that, under the Patrol Guide, the Command Log (Blotter) is primarily used to:
A.Record only arrests made during the tour
B.Make a chronological record of significant occurrences, member assignments, and prisoner activity at the command
C.Track overtime for payroll purposes only
D.Document only civilian complaints against members
Explanation: The Command Log serves as the official chronological record of significant events at the command, including the desk officer's tour, prisoner activity, member assignments, and notable occurrences. It is a key integrity and accountability document a Captain must monitor for accuracy and completeness.
9A Captain establishing a command post at the scene of a major emergency should ensure the command post is located:
A.Inside the inner perimeter closest to the hazard
B.At a safe distance upwind and uphill from the hazard with good communications and access
C.At the precinct station house regardless of incident location
D.Wherever the first arriving officer happens to park
Explanation: Patrol Guide special-operations procedures direct that a command post be set up at a safe location — generally upwind and uphill of a hazard — with reliable communications, accessibility for responding units, and protection from the hazard. This ensures effective coordination of police resources.
10Under the Patrol Guide, when a member of the service discharges a firearm (other than at an authorized range), a Captain or duty captain responding to the scene is required to ensure that a:
A.Verbal report to the precinct only
B.Firearms Discharge/Assault Report (TRI Report) is prepared and the appropriate investigation is conducted
C.Memo book entry alone is made
D.Routine Unusual report is filed within 30 days
Explanation: All firearms discharges by members of the service (outside an authorized range) must be documented through the Firearms Discharge/Assault Report and investigated by the responding ranking officer, typically the duty captain. The Threat, Resistance and Injury (TRI) reporting framework captures the incident for review by the Firearms Discharge Review Board.

About the NYPD Captain Exam

The Promotion to Captain (Police) Examination is the competitive civil-service promotional test administered by DCAS for NYPD Lieutenants seeking promotion to Captain. The computer-based multiple-choice exam contains 100 questions covering the New York State Penal Law, the NYPD Patrol Guide, the Administrative Guide, New York City Local Laws and Regulations, Operations and Interim Orders, the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and command-level police management abilities. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass; seniority and departmental award credits are then added to passing scores to determine final rank on the eligible list. The most recent cycle is Exam No. 6569, with multiple-choice testing expected to begin October 14, 2026.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Approximately 3.5 hours (exact duration stated on the Admission Notice)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$101.00 (fee waivers available for veterans, unemployed, and public-assistance recipients) (NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Bureau of Examinations, for the New York City Police Department)

NYPD Captain Exam Content Outline

~30%

Patrol Guide & Patrol Supervision

Desk officer and patrol duties, roll call, prisoner processing, stop-question-frisk, use of force, warrants, property and evidence, and crime-scene management

~20%

New York State Penal Law & Criminal Procedure

Offense classifications and elements, culpable mental states, justification and use-of-force law, arrest authority, and arraignment requirements

~18%

Administrative Guide, Personnel & Discipline

EEO policy, performance evaluations, leave, off-duty employment, command discipline, the disciplinary matrix, integrity monitoring, and Executive Order No. 16 ethics

~17%

Command Management & Cognitive Abilities

Analytical thinking, quantitative analysis, judgment and decision-making, planning and organizing, and resource and personnel management scenarios

~10%

Special Operations & Unusual Occurrences

Command post set-up, mobilization, active shooter, EDP/barricade, hazmat, missing persons, and major-incident notifications and reports

~5%

Vehicle & Traffic Law, Local Laws & Forms

VTL enforcement, New York City local laws and regulations, the 311 system, and Department forms, logs, and reports

How to Pass the NYPD Captain Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Approximately 3.5 hours (exact duration stated on the Admission Notice)
  • Exam fee: $101.00 (fee waivers available for veterans, unemployed, and public-assistance recipients)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NYPD Captain Study Tips from Top Performers

1Build your study plan directly from the Notice of Examination's listed sources — the Patrol Guide and Administrative Guide carry the most weight, so prioritize them.
2Drill Penal Law definitions (felony, misdemeanor, violation, serious physical injury) and culpable mental states until they are automatic; precise wording matters.
3Master command-management procedures: roll call, deployment, command discipline, the disciplinary matrix, EEO policy, and integrity reporting to the Internal Affairs Bureau.
4Practice quantitative items — percentages, overtime, and complaint-trend calculations — because the exam tests quantitative analysis and projections.
5For scenario items, anchor answers in Department policy, public-safety priorities, and proper notifications rather than personal preference.
6Study Department forms and reports (Command Log, TRI Report, Stop Report, Complaint Report) so you can identify their purpose and required contents.
7Take full timed 100-question mock exams to build endurance and confirm pacing for the roughly 3.5-hour computer-based test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NYPD Promotion to Captain (Police) Examination?

It is the competitive civil-service promotional exam administered by DCAS for NYPD Lieutenants seeking promotion to Captain. The computer-based test has 100 multiple-choice questions covering the Penal Law, Patrol Guide, Administrative Guide, Vehicle and Traffic Law, and command management abilities.

Who administers and is eligible to take the exam?

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) administers the exam for the NYPD. It is open to employees holding a permanent competitive appointment as Lieutenant (Police); to be promoted, candidates need at least two years of permanent Lieutenant service and a baccalaureate degree.

How many questions are on the exam and what score do I need?

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and a score of at least 70% is required to pass. Seniority and departmental award credits are then added to passing scores to determine final rank on the eligible list.

How much does the exam cost?

The application fee is $101.00, with a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee if paying by credit, debit, or gift card. Veterans, unemployed individuals, and those receiving public assistance or SSI may qualify for a fee waiver.

What subjects does the exam cover?

It covers working knowledge of the New York State Penal Law, the NYPD Patrol Guide, the Administrative Guide, New York City Local Laws and Regulations, Operations and Interim Orders, the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the Family Court Act, Department forms and reports, and command-level management abilities.

How does scoring and ranking work?

Candidates must first achieve 70% to pass. Points for seniority in the Lieutenant title and for departmental awards are then added to passing scores (to a combined maximum of 8.751 points) to set each candidate's final rank on the eligible list, which determines promotion order.

How often is the Captain exam given and how long is the list valid?

The Promotion to Captain (Police) exam is held periodically — often several years apart. The resulting eligible list is typically active for four years (extendable to five in an emergency), and candidates are promoted in list order as vacancies arise.

What is the most recent exam cycle?

The most recent cycle is Exam No. 6569, with an application period of May 7–27, 2026 and multiple-choice testing expected to begin on October 14, 2026. The minimum salary listed for Captain in that notice is $165,631 per year.